Bad Battery and Fuel Consumption: Will You Use More? Get the Answers

Yes, idling a car technically charges the battery, but it’s not as efficient as driving normally, and it also causes more harm than good. Charging while idling is an extremely slow process; you’d likely have to idle for hours, wasting a great deal of fuel and creating pollution.

Poor driving habits and mechanical damage are what cause a car or truck to consume more fuel. Specifically, these boil down to:

• Aggressive and irresponsible driving, like taking sharp corners and violently braking

• Neglected engine maintenance

• Incompatible fluids, like the wrong motor oil or fuel

• Tyres that are in bad shape

• Extremely heavy cargo that weighs down the car

Extreme temperatures are what kill car and truck batteries the most. Following this are also:

• Constant stop-and-start trips that come with driving in urban areas

• Rust and corrosion on any battery components

• A faulty alternator, especially when you consider its role of recharging the battery

Yes, a fleet system can identify if you have battery issues before it becomes a problem. One of the greatest benefits of an advanced fleet system, much like Cartrack’s FleetWeb, is that battery health is constantly being monitored in real-time. Telematics and predictive maintenance features are what alert you to issues before they escalate.

You can check if your car battery needs replacing by performing a load test or using a multimeter.

Load test:

• Turn your headlights on for about 10 minutes without turning the car on

• If your headlights dim rather noticeably, you might need to replace the battery

Multimeter:

• Set the multimeter to about 20 volts, connect to the terminals, and read the voltage

• Check the results against the owner’s manual

To maintain a healthy battery in trucks or cars, you should:

• Ensure you're checking the battery at least twice a year (or according to your manufacturer’s handbook) for repairs or potential replacement

• Don’t use too much power when the car is idle; i.e., avoid the air con, radio, lights, or other accessories

• Clean your battery and keep it free of dust, debris, and corrosion

• When parked, keep your car in cool, neutral-temperature areas

The best ways to reduce fuel consumption include:

• Driving defensively, i.e., keeping to speed limits, avoiding aggressive road habits, and planning/optimising your route

• Avoiding idling as much as possible

• Keeping your vehicle in peak condition through regular maintenance

• Using the right-sized vehicles for deliveries

• Implementing a fuel management system

A battery should last at least 3 years in a truck or car on average, but premium batteries can reach up to 7 years if properly cared for. Naturally, the lifespan of a vehicle’s battery depends on factors like:

• Driving habits

• Exposure to harsh climates (extreme hot and cold)

• The type of vehicle (trucks have heavier batteries that typically experience more strain)

A struggling battery consumes about 1 extra litre of fuel per 100 km, though this is applicable to a standard-sized sedan. This translates to about a 10% reduction in fuel efficiency. This is because the alternator is working overtime just to keep the engine running and keep up with the vehicle’s demands.

No, keeping your accessories turned off won’t fix the fuel issue if the battery is weak. The battery is already damaged, so you need to get it tested to check whether it needs a repair or total replacement. Keeping accessories turned off only keeps your battery from draining further.

The cost of a fleet system from Cartrack ultimately depends on the package tier you choose, as well as which services and add-ons you opt for. But prices start at R149.00 per month. Hardware installation is free!

Yes, a weak battery can cause engine misfiring or rough idling. This is usually because the spark plugs aren’t receiving enough electrical energy to power the ignition of the car; or the voltage is unstable, which confuses the car's ignition process and makes it difficult to start.